Neville Goddard on Daniel 1:3-6 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Daniel 1 in context

Scripture Focus

3And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;

4Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

5And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

6Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

Daniel 1:3-6

Biblical Context

The king gathers Israelite youths of good form and wisdom to be trained in Babylon, learning its language and ways, for three years so they may stand before him. Daniel and his companions are singled out among them.

Neville's Inner Vision

Within the text, the outward appointment and education are not merely a historical scene but a vivid illustration of inner formation. The Ashpenaz and the king's provision symbolize conditions and stimuli your mind encounters as you grow into a state worthy of your inner king. The four youths are described as unblemished, well favored, wise, and capable to stand in the king's palace; you are invited to claim those qualities as possibilities within your own consciousness. The three years of nourishment and learning represent a steady, patient revision of your beliefs, tastes, and habits until your inner tongue speaks the language of your desired life—Chaldean or otherwise—so you can inhabit the throne of your decisions without doubt. Daniel's name in the text marks a life that remains true to its inner law even under exile; your inner Daniel is the I AM that does not waiver. By choosing this inner schooling, and by the discipline of imagination, you move your entire being toward the state where you can stand before any king in your life as the realized, orderly self.

Practice This Now

Imaginative act: Close your eyes and declare, 'I am the unblemished, educated self already chosen to stand in my own inner palace.' Feel this reality as if it is done, and dwell there for a few breaths, letting the sense of kingship permeate your day.